Maui Kayak Tours
Fun for the Whole Family
Maui Kayak Tours
Want an ocean adventure? Paddle a Kayak!
Get away from the crowds and experience Maui from a local’s perspective with our Maui kayak tours along the island’s scenic coast. From your seat on the water, you’ll take in the beautiful views while our local guides share their expert knowledge with you. As the island’s premier ocean activity company, we specialize in creating authentic, exciting experiences for our guests. Our kayak tour is no exception.
We use two person kayaks except when there is an odd # of people in your party. We do not combine people who are not in the same party nor can a guide paddle with you in a double kayak.
Whale Watch Kayak Tours
7 AM TO 10 AM
GROUP TOUR
(up to 10 guests)PRIVATE TOUR
(Private for # guests in your party)
ONLY
December to
April
LOW
DIFFICULTY
- Private Tour $756 (1-4 People, $189 per additional person)
- Group Tour $109 Per Person
- Free Digital Photography on All Tours
If you’ll be in Maui between December and April then whale watching is probably on your list of things to do. If you’re reading this section then you’re about to have an experience unlike most whale watching tours on Maui. Both locations have equal opportunity to view whales, one location is not better than the other. See Cancelation Policy at bottom of page.
On a private or small group whale watching tours you’ll paddle out on kayaks to see humpback whales that visit close to our shores. To see a humpback whale from a kayak, hear them breathe and then gracefully dive back down can be a life changing experience. An added benefit of kayak whale watching is that you’ll get to be physically active while whale watching. How far you paddle, and at what rate, is up to you if you choose a private tour. During peak whale season there is no shortage of humpback whales. If you would like to spend some time snorkeling at the end of your Private whale watching kayak tour let us know when you make your reservation and we’ll let your guide know, you can always change your mind mid-tour if you’re having too much fun whale watching. If you choose a group whale watch tour, it is strictly whale watching and no snorkeling.
Read more
FREE Digital Photos of your tour
Snorkel gear included
Certified marine naturalist guides
Safety-oriented and informative guides
Cultural and educational
Stable and easy to paddle
Unforgettable kayak encounter
“Last week, we went out on a 3 hr kayak trip with Morgan off Oluwalu reef. Morgan, our guide and my partner and myself. Two kayaks, no fossil fuel burned, no reef damaged. Morgan was super friendly and knowledgeable about ocean life, ecology and where to find turtles and spot whales. We weren’t in the water 30 minutes before a humpback whale and her calf swam RIGHT UNDER OUR KAYAK. It was heart stopping. The calf was so close to me that I could have touched it with my paddle. I get chicken skin just thinking about it. The whales were curious about us and hung out for a while very close to our kayaks while we drifted in crystal clear waters with extreme visibility. Even our guide said it was the closest he’s ever been to a humpback. What an experience! Later we went to the “turtle cleaning station” where green sea turtles are cleaned by wrasse fish. There were dozens of “honu” on the reef so we kicked it and swam with them for a while. That is, until the huge catamarans and diesel boats showed up. There would be absolutely no reason to go out on a giant tourist boat which is most likely damaging the reef with a bunch of loud people and their children when you could easily glide silently out on a Hawaiian Paddle Sports kayak or canoe and have an amazing experience. We did and it was one of the best moments of true Hawaii that I’ve ever had. (And I’ve had a lot). Check out this company. It’s no ka oi!”
Makena: South Maui Snorkel Tour
-
7 AM TO 10 AM
GROUP TOUR
(up to 10 guests)PRIVATE TOUR
(Private for # guests in your party)
-
ALL
YEAR
-
LOW
DIFFICULTY
- Private Tour $756 (1-4 People, $189 per additional person)
- Group Tour $109 Per Person
- Free Digital Photography on All Tours
This small-group tour is a wonderful way to get out and enjoy the protected bays and coastline of South Maui. We launch from historic Makena Landing and snorkel in the various coves and underwater areas that turtles love to hang out in.
For group tours all participants must be age 6+ and know how to swim. For non-swimmers and younger children please book a private tour. See Cancelation Policy at bottom of page.
This South Maui location includes some reefs with underwater caves and arches commonly known as “Five Caves” and “Turtle Arches”. These reefs and many others in Turtle Town have resident sea turtles who can be found there year-round if you know exactly where to look and our guides will lead you there. As you kayak along the Makena and Wailea coast you’ll enjoy the sea life and scenic views of Puu Olai, Molokini Crater, Lanai, Mauna Kahalawai (West Maui Mountains), and Kahoolawe.
Read more
FREE Digital Photos of your tour
Safety-oriented and informative guides
Cultural and educational
Certified marine naturalist guides
Snorkel gear included
Stable and easy to paddle
Kayak Snorkel Adventure!
“This was an amazing trip from start to finish! Our group loved how personable and experienced our guide Heather was. She took time to customize our experience based on our interests and abilities. She also took fantastic photos to help us remember our time kayaking and snorkeling for years to come. Date of experience: June 2025″
West Maui Turtle Gardens Kayak Tour
-
7 AM TO 10 AM
GROUP TOUR
(up to 10 guests)PRIVATE TOUR
(Private for # guests in your party)
-
ALL
YEAR
-
MODERATE
DIFFICULTY
- Private Tour $756 (1-4 People, $189 per additional person)
- Group Tour $109 Per Person
- Free Digital Photography on All Tours
After a water safety and paddling orientation we depart from Olowalu Beach under the backdrop of Mauna Kahalawai (West Maui Mountains).
Due to the sometimes windy conditions, the West Maui Olowalu location is best for older children and adults who are comfortable in the ocean. For non-swimmers and younger children please book a private tour. See Cancelation Policy at bottom of page.
As your guide navigates you through the shallow coral gardens you can’t help but notice the vivid reef structures everywhere you look. This shallow water playground opens to slightly deeper water where your guide leads you to a ‘turtle cleaning station’ with an abundance of turtles and marine life. The shallow, sandy bottoms with patches of vibrant coral make this a favorite snorkel spot for visitors to kayak and snorkel on Maui.
FREE Digital Photos of your tour
Snorkel gear included
Certified marine naturalist guides
Safety-oriented and informative guides
Cultural and educational
Stable and easy to paddle
“Kayaking & snorkeling off of Olowalu with Heather was one of the most awesome things my son and I have ever done. I can’t speak highly enough about the tour, the educational elements, the views, and the pictures we received afterwards. To say this was a lifetime highlight moment is an understatement. We love West Maui and love snorkeling; seeing both from a kayak was special in a way I hadn’t anticipated. Thank you Heather for an epic morning above and below the waves. We can’t wait for next year to come see you again! Mahalo 🤙🏼🫶🏼” April 2026
Private Maui Kayaking
-
7 AM TO 10 AM
PRIVATE TOUR
(Private for # guests in your party)
-
ALL
YEAR
-
LOW
DIFFICULTY
- Private Tour $756 (1-4 People)
- Additional Guests $189 Per Person
- Free Digital Photography on All Tours
Private kayak tours are a great option for first time ocean enthusiast, families with small children, elderly couples and active travelers who don’t want to be held back… but really a private kayaking tour is the best option for discerning travels who are looking for better guest experience on a customized kayak tour.
Launching from historic Makena Landing near Maui’s Turtle Town or in West Maui you’ll have views of the beautiful mountains as a backdrop while kayaking in Maui. With dozens of independent reefs throughout the coastal areas, your kayak guide will lead you away from the crowds to kayak and snorkel with Maui’s green Hawaiian Sea Turtles.
Our private kayak tours in Maui occur in both South and West Maui. We explore hidden caves, arches, sea life and turtle gathering spots where you can snorkel and relax, away from the crowds. Private tours are perfect for any group not wanting to be combined with other people not in their party, or for persons wanting extra attention from our guides. Private tours are required for Non-swimmers and children under age 6. See Cancelation Policy at bottom of page.
Read more
FREE Digital Photos of your tour
Snorkel gear included
Certified marine naturalist guides
Safety-oriented and informative guides
Cultural and educational
Stable and easy to paddle
Turtles and Fish Galore!
“Julian guided our group of 4 to two perfect spots and we saw more Sea Turtles than I could count! Julian was very knowledgable, professional and always had our safety first. He took photos underwater so we didn’t have to do anything but enjoy our tour!! He even provided water and snack bars. We launched from Makena area which we would like to see more of next time we visit Maui. Thank you Julian and Hawaiian Paddle Sports!”
Molokini Kayak Challenge
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6AM TO 10AM
PRIVATE TOUR
-
ALL
YEAR
-
HIGH
DIFFICULTY
- Private Tour – $796 (1-3 People)
- Additional Guests $189 Per Person
So you want to go to Molokini? Most people take large snorkel boats…. but a few PADDLE there! This Maui kayaking tour is not for everyone, only those looking for a challenge.
We’ll meet early in the morning at Makena Landing and go over water safety and paddling orientation. Then we set our course for Molokini Crater. You’ll glide across the calm waters as the sky slowly turns purple, pink, red and orange while the sun slowly rises over the summit of Haleakala. Experience views only available from sea or one of our neighboring islands. After a healthy 3.5 mile paddle you’ll arrive at Molokini Crater, before the large snorkel boats, and enjoy an uncrowded snorkel in the crater. If you’ve been there on a boat before you’ll understand the value of the last statement! If conditions allow, we’ll paddle around the back side of the crater. The breathtaking back wall of wind and wave-swept stone is a sight you’ll carry with you for a lifetime, and one that very few ever see. As we paddle back to Makena you will start to appreciate the name of this tour: Molokini Challenge. Don’t worry, our guides promise no matter how tired you get on the way back, we’ll hit land…. somewhere!
FREE Digital Photos
of your tour
of your tour
Snorkel gear
included
included
Certified marine
naturalist guides
naturalist guides
Safety-oriented and informative guides
Cultural and
educational
educational
Molokini Challenge: Best paddling tour on Maui
“Launching kayaks before sunrise, paddling through the surf, watching whales, seeing the sun rise over Haleakala, stopping in the Molokini crater, having dolphins leap out of the water just in front of us, listening to whale song and dolphin chatter, and paddling back to Makena… It was an adventure! Josh and Chad were great guides, friendly and informative! I highly recommend this trip to folks who love to paddle, get a bit intense (if it’s windy) and have a grand, nonmotorized, adventure!”
Our tours feature
FREE Digital Photos
of your tour
of your tour
Snorkel gear included
Certified marine
naturalist guides
naturalist guides
Safety-oriented and informative guides
Cultural and
educational
educational
Stable and
easy to paddle
easy to paddle
WHY A PRIVATE
MAUI KAYAK TOUR?
Private kayak tours are a great alternative to large boats and group kayak tours to snorkel or whale watch in Maui. On a private kayak tour our knowledgeable guide is there to cater to your guests only, we don’t combine parties. On a large group kayak tours there can be up to 14 people per guide and you’ll never know who else is going to be on the tour with you and how that will impact your experience. Some paddlers might want to cruise along at a leisurely pace while others want to GO GO GO!
On a private kayaking tour you are not hindered or rushed based on other guests’ desires… you get to call the shots! Want to paddle more and snorkel less? Don’t want to snorkel at all? No problem, we realize not everyone has the same expectations or agenda, this is specifically why we offer Private Kayak Tours. Our guides will tailor the kayaking tour to your ability, fitness and desires.
WHY A KAYAK TOUR?
Our Kayak Tours are a stable and beginner friendly choice for your Maui adventure, kayaking is something ANYONE can do. We use ‘Ocean Kayak’ Malibu Two’s, Scuppers and Scramblers. These almost impossible-to-flip vessels provide a safe and secure option great for family, a couple or individual fun. Let one of our knowledgeable kayak guides share their favorite reefs, marine life and stories with you on a PRIVATE Kayak Tour today!
Maui Kayak Tour FAQs
Do I need kayaking or snorkeling experience?
No. Most of our guests are first-timers. We use stable sit-on-top kayaks (Ocean Kayak Malibu Two, Scupper and Scrambler models) that are very hard to flip. Your guide gives you a paddling and water-safety orientation on the beach before launch.
What’s the difference between a group tour and a private tour?
Group tours have up to 10 guests per guide and are open to ages 6+ who know how to swim. Private tours are just your party, with no age limit, and your guide tailors the pace, route and amount of snorkeling to you. Private tours are required for non-swimmers and children under 6.
How much do the tours cost?
Group tours are $109 per person. Private tours are $756 for 1–4 guests, plus $189 per additional guest. The Molokini Kayak Challenge is $796 for 1–3 guests, plus $189 per additional guest.
What time do tours start, and how long are they?
Tours run 7–10 AM, when the ocean is usually calmest. The Molokini Kayak Challenge starts at 6 AM.
Where do the tours launch?
South Maui tours launch from Makena Landing, in the heart of Turtle Town. West Maui tours launch from Olowalu Beach, near Lahaina. You’ll get a confirmation email the day before with meeting details and driving directions.
Which location should I choose?
Makena (Turtle Town) is calmer in the early morning and best for families with young children and first-timers. Olowalu can be windier and suits older kids and adults comfortable in the ocean. Both are equally good for whale watching in season.
Will we see sea turtles?
Turtle Town and Olowalu’s turtle cleaning station have resident green sea turtles year-round, and our guides know exactly where to look. Wildlife is never guaranteed, but turtle sightings are a highlight of nearly every tour.
When can I go whale watching by kayak?
Kayak whale watching runs December to April. Group whale watch tours are whale watching only. On a private tour you can add snorkeling. Federal law requires keeping at least 100 yards from humpback whales, but sometimes the whales choose to come closer to us.
Can I share a kayak with my partner or child?
Yes. We use two-person kayaks, except when your party has an odd number of people. We never pair you with someone outside your party, and guides don’t paddle in a double kayak with guests.
What’s included?
Snorkel gear, water and a snack, a certified marine naturalist guide, and free digital photos of your tour.
What should I bring?
A swimsuit, towel, hat, sunglasses and a change of clothes. Please use reef-safe sunscreen only; we have biodegradable reef-safe sunscreen available for guests.
Are there age or weight limits?
Group tours require guests to be 6+ and able to swim. Private tours have no age limit. Our kayaks are rated to a usable weight capacity of 450lbs.
Is the Molokini Kayak Challenge right for me?
Only if you’re fit and enjoy a real paddle. It’s about 3.5 miles each way across open ocean, rated high difficulty, and offered as a private tour. You’ll arrive before the snorkel boats for an uncrowded snorkel inside the crater.
What’s your cancellation policy?
Cancellations or changes within 72 hours of your tour are charged in full. If ocean conditions require it, we may move your tour to another location, sometimes the morning of. We don’t offer refunds or rescheduling in those cases.
Cancelation Policy
- Because our lessons and tours are small and spots are limited, we have a strict 72-hour cancellation policy. If you cancel or change your confirmed reservation within 72 hours of scheduled check in time, we will charge your credit card the full price of the tour.
- Due to weather or ocean conditions, your tour or lesson location might be changed to an alternative location. In this case, we will try to send a new confirmation email with details and driving directions the day before your tour or lesson. However, sometimes, the instructor needs to change locations the morning of the lesson/tour. We do not offer refunds or reschedule to another date in these instances.
P.O. Box 340, Kihei, HI 96753
